Vollebekk

Photos: Jean-Pierre Mesinele

Vollebekk

Vollebekk is an area in Groruddalen, not far from Økern. It is a quiet corner of Oslo consisting with mainly residential areas. Industry used to dominate the landscape here until this was phased out during the late 2010s. With a clean canvas, a new neighborhood could emerge, and rethinking housing projects. The area is estimated to hold about 1600 residential units. A-lab has been a key actor in developing Vollebekk as it was responsible for the entire zoning plan. It was also the architect for several of the subdivisions in the area.

TYPE OF PROJECT: Housing
LOCATION: Vollebekk, Oslo
CLIENT: Obos Nye hjem/ Veidekke Eiendom
COLLABORATORS: Asplan Viak, ØRP, Norconsult, SOLA (LARK)
SIZE: 44 349 m² GBA
PROJECT STATUS: Completed

Getting the zoning plan right

A-lab got involved with Vollebekk by winning a competition for Aspelin Ramm. As Vollebekk was further developed, A-lab was tapped to do the other zoning plans as well. A-lab was in practice in charge of the zoning planning for the larger part of Vollebekk.

Reimagining old ways

Back then it was considered rather unconventional to go back to block structures as they were considered old fashioned. However, many of the old neighborhoods in Oslo has this block structure and they are beloved and praised for their qualities even after a century. A typical setup of the block structure would be courtyard surrounded by buildings, wall to wall. The buildings could have small variations in sizes and design, and the block itself is often a rectangular shape with portals into the courtyard.

Many tests and studies were conducted to find the right grade of utilization and city structure that would best suit Vollebekk. The plan had to look and feel cohesive. It had to have a certain degree of urbanity and contain all the amenities one need in everyday life.

One of the main elements from this plan was thus extroverted ground floors facing the streets anddifferent urban spaces. Another central point was to create fine masked connections throughout Vollebekk, to make it easier to navigate around, but also shortcuts across blocks.

Modern neighborhoods

In reality one was constructing a new neighborhood from nothing. The existing residential areas was exactly just that, just residential. The new neighborhood in Vollebekk was to be more urban in character. What Vollebekk needed was places where people could meet - squares, cafés, good corners, etc. The classical block structured are very well suited for this cause and for Vollebekk, all it needed was fine tuning to make the most out of the urban floor. Like putting the main square tucked in between three blocks instead of on the edge. Or placing the corner building further in to make a nice corner to stop for a moment.